Sunday, May 1, 2016

Even I find that hard to believe.
I published my first on-line class.
That whole process was quite the learning experience.
Building The Scene For Better Paintings is soon going to be re-launched as self-paced.

I am working on another on-line class that involves improving soldering skills.
The projects are making soldered charms, affixing the loop and making a wand.
The skills we go over are basic to using solder, flux, and soldering tools.
With a slight introduction to decorating projects using solder and iron with the rheostat.
Soon to be launched!!

Stay tuned!

Also in the think tank is another art camp/retreat next June 2017. A 5 day experience working with acrylics, charcoals, and other fun art tools. Aimed for growing your range and confidence!

Stay tuned for more information about this!

In the mean time this is the beginning of The Scratching Post...Mixed media 4 ft. tall x 24 inches wide.

Come watch the progression for this project.

So far the layout has sketched in with charcoal and has been started using acrylics. The painting is developing on a wood substrate covered with plaster.

Plaster gives the piece added texture to begin the project from. Leave the texture the level it is or grow it to thicker textures throughout the process.
Textures gives added dimension and helps the story of the subject matter.

Thursday, January 21, 2016

To do this I take classes. I go to workshops, I take on-line classes with Artists whose style I like, techniques I admire or want to know more about.

One thing artists do to grow is constantly look to change.

I have a bazillion interests.
Some I have mastered but, never to the extent that I won't still find growth. Even in mastered genres I look to grow my range.

EVERY instructor, or fellow artists has a twist to offer. A special something to learn.

Currently, I am exploring interesting mark making to draw a viewer into the subject I am expressing.
To help me in this interesting process I am taking an on-line course with Gillian Cox.

She is an amazing instructor whose technical applications can grow your range across the board.
Be you painter or sketcher, her skills are thrilling to watch then incorporate into your own unique approach.

I have much more practice to undergo to get softer and lose more of my image to gain a more expressive painting but, that is part of the lovely process of growing.

Here is one of my practice pieces.

A bee in flight.

Still strong in my execution but I learned so much about offering expression.

Check out Ms. Gillian Cox on Pinterest or her blog you will enjoy her work.

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Blending is a key component when painting.
Blending well, transitions the level of the painting seamlessly.

Sometimes blending is not the technique to grab and use but, knifing the paint in is better desired. Especially for building up the texture, depending on the subject that is being defined.

When knifing paint, typically the tool of choice is a palette knife. Consider using a brush as well.

Using a brush will gain a spotty hit or miss application less dense than using a palette knife, with similar results.

Lets go and view this little clip that is going to gradually show how the post is build up with layers of old look, using a brush for a palette knife.

Thank you for coming in today.

This demo has been built for a paint party at the Platte Nursing Home. A senior activity that will include the family members and anyone else who wishes to join in the fun.

Our senior participants requested a subject they could relate to and not take down seasonally. Since most of the Seniors in Platte were involved in farm and ranching operations, many as their career business, I felt they could relate to the pasture fence post.

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Let's continue building the painting I am going to teach with the Seniors at the Nursing Home next week.
I don't show everything because I have to keep a video to 3 minutes.
You can sure have a paint party of your own though and get a lot more from an In Real Life lesson.

Moving forward, fence posts have a gazillion colors in them. You can't pick any wrong one so, pick colors you like. It will work.

This post is kept to greens and browns and white.
NOTHING is solid color it is all layers.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

This is my THIRD attempt to bring a video into a blog post. I HOPE I am successful with it this time!

So, you want to have a Painting Party, a wine and canvas, a girls event, a special birthday event...etc.

What do I do?
1.) First you contact Mary! :)
2.) You give me the date I check the calendar.
(IF a special day is very very important, DO NOT wait until the week before to book the event. The chance that date is taken is high)
3.) We discuss subject to paint. (I get a little background about the group to get a feel for what they may like to paint)
4.) After I ponder the subject a little bit I do a Demo to present to the initiator of the event. They can show the group or leave that as a surprise, or use it for advertising purposes if a public event, such as a wine tasting event at a local pub.

I am going to go through a little series showing the process of a painting, one I am using as a Demo.

Video one is giving the painting a background. I use acrylics. For many they have never used acrylic paints. So not only do they go home with a finished painting. They learn a little about using unfamiliar materials. Therefor, the party doubles as a lesson. A sneaky happy aftermath.

I hope you enjoy my little series and follow along.

More I hope the video actually arrives this time :). Thank you for stopping in!

Friday, January 1, 2016

I am going to try to be a lot better about blogging this year! Last year I learned a lot about how to produce an on-line class http://bit.ly/PaintWithMaryyou can learn about that here.

This was an extensive learning accomplishment!

I am beginning the new year with a clean studio! My studio is rather plain when it comes to decorative features, but it houses a lot of technical supplies and those tend to inspire me. A little tour..?..why sure!

Long view 1 encompassing the left side of the room

Long view 2 showing the right side of the room

Shows my Jewelry station that doubles as my desk

This is my journaling station

My painting station

ALL tables will become glass stations!

I began clearing out all the Christmas at the Gallery as well.

Updated views for there to follow in a few days.

I don't make resolutions. My intentions are to make the best decisions possible at the time.

You are more than a little eccentric, and you're apt to keep very unusual habits.
Whether you're a night owl, living in a commune, or taking a vow of silence - you like to experiment with your lifestyle.
Expressing your individuality is important to you, and you often lie awake in bed thinking about the world and your place in it.
You enjoy staying home, but that doesn't mean you're a hermit. You also appreciate quality time with family and close friends.